A Message From the COA Board of Directors

Certainly, many of us are deeply troubled over the heartbreaking loss of the Senior Center and concerned over what will happen next.  To begin to address these issues, on Monday, September 14, the Board of Selectmen met in emergency session at 9:30 AM to put together recovery plans.  Top priority was given to restoring emergency services, with the most immediate need being the Meals on Wheels program.  By using donated freezer space at the American Legion Post 302, this program will resume on Thursday, 9/17.  In the meantime, emergency meals from Bristol Elder Services have been distributed to those in the program.

The BOS will also be looking into renting temporary space to provide space for Linda, Kim, and Brad so that they can continue to provide services such as Medicare enrollment, fuel assistance, etc.  Work on this is already underway with a goal of having it in place in the ASAP.

And some good news – critical records were backed up electronically in two places and will once again be accessible once replacement computers can be obtained and installed.  Also, all voting equipment had been removed from the building before the fire and is safe at Town Hall.  Thus in November, voters will be able to vote as usual.

The BOS is also working with the Town’s Insurance Company and initial reports are that the building and contents were well covered, and plans can start for a new Senior Center.

Many folks have asked about saving the two signs over the entrance of the building.  Once it is safe to do so, the signs will be removed and stored for use on a new Senior Center.

Our sincere thanks go out to the Rehoboth Fire and Police Departments for their rapid and professional response to this tragic event, to the Board of Selectmen and other town officials for immediately beginning recovery plans, and to Linda, Kim, and Brad for their flexibility in adapting to difficult working conditions as we move forward.

Respectively, the COA Board.